Scotland U18 Girls’ win EuroHockey Championship II in Rakovnik

Scotland won U18 Girls’ EuroHockey Championship II with a sensation 2-1 win over Russia in the final in Rakovnik, Czech Republic. Rachel Bain scored the winner in the final minute as Scotland claimed the gold medal as well as promotion to the top tier of European U18 girls’ hockey.

Photo by Dave Cawthorn

The early pressure in the match came from Russia who came out with all guns blazing. The first opportunity of the contest saw a Russian penalty corner zip low and wide of the right post.

The Scots held their own against the competitive aggression of the Russian play and Lexi Sabatelli set about attempting to wriggle through the Russian defence but the danger well cleared.

Then came a great chance for Russia to open the scoring. Anna Golubeva ran through one-on-one with Scotland’s goalkeeper Jess Buchanan, and the Scot was out quick to narrow the angle and force the shot wide of the target. It was excellent goalkeeping at a pivotal moment of the game.

Scotland then had a chance through a penalty corner and Emily Dark was denied by a great diving save at the bottom right corner.

Dark would have another chance from a penalty corner after an exceptional long pass out of defence found Ruth Blaikie who won the opportunity for Scotland. Dark then zipped it just wide of the post.

As half time approached fierce Russian pressure won another penalty corner, this time it was driven low and was well saved by leg guards of Buchanan, and the follow up shot looped over the bar.

It was a quick start to second half for Scotland and Georgia Jones won an early penalty corner. A nice routine to left of the D for Jenny Walls saw her deflection shoot just wide of the post.

Photo by Dave Cawthorn

Then came the first goal of the final and it came for Scotland. Blaikie opened the scoring as she forced the ball home from close range after three quick shots on target.

It didn’t take long for Russia to equalise. Golubeva absolutely smashed the ball home for Russia’s equaliser with a powerful penalty corner strike against the Scotland backboard.

Scotland came close to retaking the lead when Ellie Wilson’s deflection fizzed just wide of the left post.

The final quarter was a midfield slog with both sides throwing everything into the contest.

There was a phenomenal chance for the Russians with three minutes to go after they opened up the Scotland defence on the left, the ball was played to the far post where an attacker was waiting to score, but the ball evaded her and Scotland escaped.

Then, with a minute to play, Scotland went for it and the ball fell kindly to Rachel Bain in the Russian D and she converted to grab victory for Scotland, and round off a tremendous tournament with a EuroHockey Championship II gold medal.

Scotland U18 Girls’ Head Coach Keith Smith said, “It was a great way to win the tournament, I’m absolutely delighted for the girls. The players have spoken a lot about leaving a legacy – they all have friends and family in the age group below so they wanted to leave a legacy for them. They did that yesterday so I’m absolutely delighted that they get a reward for themselves with a gold medal today.

“Overall I think we played the best hockey in the tournament and deserve to come out as winners. The players proved they can control games and play in different styles. Today for instance they had to adapt as we made some changes to compete with the aggressive style of Russia. We were more direct and some players took on different roles. I’m really impressed with how they adapted. All-in-all there’s some really good signs for the future.”

Inspired by Scotland U18 Girls’ team? Find a club near you HERE

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